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The Cause Of Sunburns

The Cause Of Sunburns

The simple explanation of what causes sunburn is known to almost everyone. You know that when you expose your skin to the sun for long, it gets burnt, turns red and starts to irritate. Beneath the skin, there are more complications. The damaged is caused by ultra-violet rays. What is visible to you is the sun burns on the skin, but beneath it, your DNA may be affected which may quicken the aging process. How long the sun burns start to show is dependent on the skin type, the intensity of the sun and the length you have been exposed to sun rays.

What you need to do in the event of sunburns

Treating sun burns is aimed at relieving the swollen red skin and easing the pain. Below are some remedies you can carry out at home to treat sunburned skin.
Taking cool baths and applying cold compresses on your sunburned skin. Hot or warm baths cause pain.

Using creams and gels that contain menthol, aloe, and camphor to help you with the sting out of the sunburned skin. You can refrigerate the cream before applying as this makes the sunburned skin feel better.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help you as they will relieve the swelling and pain on your body. Examples of such drugs include; naproxen and ibuprofen.

Staying hydrated can help you with sunburns. Take a lot of water and other liquids to stay away from dehydration.

Avoiding the sun will help in healing the already sunburned skin. Exposure to the sun can only worsen the condition.
Tips on how you can prevent sunburns.

Watch the clock. The time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is when the rays are strongest. If you have to be outdoors at this time, then prefer staying under shades.

Wear a sunscreen before you leave for outdoor activities. A sunscreen which has a Skin Protection Factor of thirty and above, a wide protection spectrum against ultra-violet rays and is water-resistant is good for this purpose. You are advised to reapply so as to prevent sweating off and washing off.

Your lips need to be sun blocked. Go for a sunblock that is made for lips specifically and has an SPF of twenty and above.

Wear sunglasses which can protect you from the UV light.

Put on the right clothes for a sunny condition. A long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a broad-brimmed hat can do you justice.

Some skin-care products and medicines increase the chances of you being sunburned. Some of these are; antibiotics and other prescriptions for psychiatric illness, heart failure, allergies, and high blood pressure. In case you are under this medication, enquire from your dermatologist the special precautions to take if you are going outdoors.